Danielson Center

About the Center

Mission Statement

To promote post secondary education in Henry County to improve its economic viability and quality of life by coordinating and expanding local resources.

Our History

In an endeavor unique in Indiana, the construction of the Danielson Center was funded entirely by private donors. Eager to provide postsecondary education in a local setting, Indiana University alumni Patricia and D.C. "Danny" Danielson announced a matching challenge gift in 1998 and took the lead in fund-raising efforts, amassing more than $1 million for the postsecondary education facility. No state or federal funds were used in the venture. The Danielson Center was subsequently deeded to Indiana University, and classes provided by IU East were offered in the new facility beginning in 1999.

In addition to the Danielsons' commitment of $250,000, the building site was donated by Ameriana Bank in New Castle, the Henry County Community Foundation pledged $100,000, and Lilly Endowment added $190,000 to the funding efforts. Businesses in Henry County were also instrumental in equipping the facility.

Indiana University East had been offering classes on a continuing basis in New Castle since 1995, and IU East Chancellor David Fulton's prediction that enrollment would soon double in the new facility were realized within one year. Purdue University's College of Technology began offering classes at the Danielson Center in 1999. Since that time, Ivy Tech Community College has also joined IU and Purdue at the Center, enrolling students beginning in 2005. Through collaboration, education-related institutions maintain and broaden the scope and quality of Henry County's employment opportunities and improve the quality of life in the region. Students who take classes through the Danielson Center will find that smaller class sizes, personal attention and knowledgeable faculty create a rewarding post secondary experience. Students can complete degree programs in as little as two years. The center also offers non-credit courses for personal enrichment through continuing education opportunities.

The Danielson Education Council was formed in 2005 to oversee operations at the Danielson Center. Made up of local citizens who had been involved in postsecondary education in an advisory capacity with IU East since 1995, the Council's role includes monitoring programming and marketing at the Center. The mission of the Danielson Education Council is to advance life-long learning in Henry County to increase economic viability and quality of life in the community through the coordination and expansion of local resources.